Free Campaign of Desire (CSA Case Files 4) by Kennedy Layne Page A

riled. What about Daytime America ? Do you have that covered?”
    “Yes, the station is sending a two-man crew out to interview Phoebe. It should be a milk run if I can keep the reporter from getting too artsy.” Lach, Ethan, and Connor all shared the same information on anyone in contact with their objectives. “Did you notice anything on the volunteer list?”
    “Stewart Barnes and Hannah Ward.” Ethan nodded his head. “Stewart has a juvie record a mile long and his father, who happens to be a fellow senator of Dunaway’s, asked for his nineteen year old son to work on the campaign to keep him out of trouble. He’ll probably be smoking weed out back of the building by mid-morning. Just the kind of thing the press would love.”
    “And Miss Ward’s father has been known to get his ass thrown in jail for protesting a little too irreverently on political issues. He doesn’t care if it’s left or right, either. Odd mix of politics, I guess.” Lach had already sent in his SITREP to the office last night with his comments, and he knew that by the end of today there would be a more thorough look into the two volunteers. “Kevin is tackling the Dunaway family’s personal friends, while Jax is looking into the other candidates and their immediate staff. I’m sure a lot of them will cross reference.”
    “Everyone seems to be pulling double duty, between this protection detail and Ryland. It wouldn’t surprise me if Crest hired a few more prior servicemen and women to add to the agency’s depth. Our caseloads are getting to be a bit much.” Ethan turned and started walking toward Brent and Jacob. “Jax and Emily are planning Derrick’s first birthday party. It would be nice to have all the roadblocks cleared by then.”
    “That’s two months away,” Lach replied, falling into step. “A lot can happen in that time frame.”
    Lach acknowledged the two men and the day’s itineraries were covered on the ride up in the elevator. John was relieved of his duty and reported that the night had been quiet. He’d pulled a twelve-hour shift, but it was a one-time thing. Sam Grider was Phoebe’s second-shift guard and he started today. According to John, neither woman had departed. Lach lifted an arm and looked at his watch. Right on time. He knocked on the door and they waited for Phoebe or Kimmie to answer. He couldn’t prevent his jaw from locking up at the upcoming conversation. It was best to keep things short and sweet.
    Footsteps could be heard and Lach instantly knew it was Phoebe from the rhythm of her steps. Kimmie’s tread was a little heavier and more erratic. He could tell from the pause that she’d looked through the peephole and it wasn’t long after that he heard the deadbolt release. He clenched his teeth the second the door swung open to reveal Phoebe wearing a conservative yet sexy as hell black and beige dress. The upcoming conversation would be short. Nothing sweet about it.
    “Good morning,” Phoebe said, making eye contact with each one of them. Lach felt a rush of conquest when her blue eyes darkened upon meeting his gaze but he quickly squelched it. “Please come in. Kimmie is almost ready and I’ve got coffee if you’d like some.”
    “I’ll take a refill, thank you.” Ethan entered first, following behind Phoebe and preventing Lach from watching her hips sway. It was for the best. “Kimmie has a full schedule, but do you know if she’ll be spending another night with you?”
    “No, she’ll head back to her apartment closer to campus.” Phoebe gracefully entered the kitchen while both men walked around to the front of the island. Brent and Jacob remained outside. Lach continued standing while Ethan propped himself on the stool and held out his cup to Phoebe. “Do you take it black?”
    “Yes, please.”
    They all turned at the sound of Kimmie entering the kitchen. Lach knew she’d exited from the spare bedroom, as he’d searched the layout of Phoebe’s apartment